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Abstract:
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Garment level tests show that wear comfort of a set of FR Cotton/Nylon fabrics is
most influenced by perceived tactile sensation rather than by differences in breathability or
moisture management. Tactile properties are associated with measurable fabric
mechanical properties pertaining to stretch and flexibility. Environmental temperature and
humidity is shown to be a strong influence on wear comfort.
Despite measured differences in fabric air permeability in laboratory tests, these
differences did not translate into differences in comfort perception for this set of work wear
shirts in the wear trial. This study indicates that the sweating plate and instrumental
manikin results related to heat loss are more indicative of human comfort response than
measures of air permeability and moisture vapor transmission of these materials.
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